Europe divided over deploying peacekeepers in Ukraine
European countries remain divided over proposals to deploy a peacekeeping contingent to Ukraine once a ceasefire is reached in the Russo-Ukrainian war, The Times reported on Jan. 31.
According to the report, the UK, France, and Northern European countries support a European coalition to send tens of thousands of troops in the event of a ceasefire agreement. However, Germany and some other countries oppose the initiative.
Baltic states and Poland are reportedly concerned that the proposed mission could divert essential resources from NATO member states bordering Russia, leaving them vulnerable to the military threat posed by Moscow.
A senior source in the UK government indicated that Europe could independently form ground forces if necessary, though officials have asked the United States to provide "air cover." This could include deploying Patriot missile batteries capable of intercepting ballistic missiles or aircraft, using intelligence and surveillance resources that Europe lacks.
According to a military source, the British Army could potentially send a division of 10,000 to 25,000 soldiers, although this may be challenging given current deployments in Estonia.
The article mentions that some view a U.N. peacekeeping mission, comprising troops from remote countries like India, Bangladesh, and China, as more feasible. Such an approach could potentially win Russia’s consent and would involve approximately 100,000 peacekeepers deployed in Ukraine without requiring direct U.S. involvement.
"They [Russians] are not going to attack Bangladeshi or Indian troops," said one source.
UK PM Keir Starmer is expected to discuss the issue with EU leaders and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte at a forthcoming meeting in Brussels.
Due to uncertainty surrounding upcoming elections, Germany is reluctant to make commitments on these proposals.
Another European diplomatic source stated that U.S. involvement is necessary to enhance deterrence against Russia and "because they have capabilities that all of Europe lacks," such as intelligence and surveillance abilities, and the capacity for a large-scale retaliatory strike if needed.
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